diff --git a/docs/checks.rst b/docs/checks.rst
index 1140d6b49..b76f761a0 100644
--- a/docs/checks.rst
+++ b/docs/checks.rst
@@ -2,8 +2,8 @@
 System checks
 =============
 
-The following :doc:`system checks <topics/checks>` help verify the Django
-Debug Toolbar setup and configuration:
+The following :external:doc:`system checks <topics/checks>` help verify the
+Django Debug Toolbar setup and configuration:
 
 * **debug_toolbar.W001**: ``debug_toolbar.middleware.DebugToolbarMiddleware``
   is missing from ``MIDDLEWARE``.